In Memory

David Launder

David Branson Launder, 71, of Prairie Village, KS passed away on June 30, 2020. David was born in Kansas City, MO on January 19,1949 to John Launder Jr. and Jane Hughes. He is a graduate of Southwest High School, class of 1967, and Kansas State University, class of 1972. After serving in the army, he continued his career at Independent Electric Machinery Company, his family's business, where he would eventually take over as President and third generation owner. A proud member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, he remained active in many roles after college. He also gave back to K-State through the athletic department and as a Founder of Colbert Hills Golf Course. David was a lifelong Episcopalian and remained active in the church until his death. He was also an Eagle Scout, held leadership positions in several charitable organizations in Kansas City, and was a member of Mission Hills Country Club where he was an avid golfer. His greatest joy was the 46 years of marriage to the love of his life, Blythe Brigham. They were blessed with four children, six grandchildren, and countless memories. He is survived by his wife, Blythe, brother John Launder III (Kathy), sister-in-law Vicky Leonard, brother-in-law Dan Brigham, children David Jr (Jeanie), Betsey Haynes (Ben), Andy Launder (Abby), Victoria Fiori (Jon), grandchildren Jack, Will, and David Haynes, and Eloise, Frank, and Rosie Launder, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. He will also be truly missed by his faithful dog Brady. David's life will be celebrated with a private service at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Kansas City at 10am Friday July 10th. Live streaming will be available at standrewkc.org. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to St. Andrews Episcopal Church, the Mike Ahearn Scholarship Fund at Kansas State University, or a charity of your choice.

Published in Kansas City Star on Jul. 7, 2020.

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kansascity/obituary.aspx?n=david-branson-launder&pid=196455999



 
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07/05/20 12:24 PM #1    

Michael Moriarty

David and I were friends in high school, having several classes together and enjoying cars.  I had only seen him a few times since graduation but he was always the same nice guy.  My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.


07/05/20 12:56 PM #2    

Larry Schall

David and I hung out often in High School, both on varsity football team activities & then on several "secret" missions on weekends.  Then we headed in different directions for college and lost track of each other, until a common friend (Jon Boren) organized a lunch for us three which repeated every 6 months for many years.  I remember David as having one of the most enjoyable personalities of anyone I have met in my life.  His nickname for me was Schallbelly, so I started calling him Launderbelly.  I will miss you dear friend !!


07/05/20 03:07 PM #3    

William Tipton

Clark Wadsworth, David and myself would play baseball and football in the streets as kids. 61st Terrace. We never worried about breaking windows or car headlights. We went to David's house for peanut butter sandwiches and then to Clark's house for Orange Drink and to play Chinese checkers. (Hey Clark, you remember the days playing monopoly and Chinese Checkers and eating Cherrios in your kitchen) After lunch we'd go right back out into the street and continue to raise cain! David was very competitive in those days...in a good way. He was always my friend. I will always associate him with fun times.

One of many regrets for me is that I can't say the things that I say I when someone has passed...before they pass.

Rest in Peace my dear ole friend.


07/05/20 07:03 PM #4    

Larry Pollard

I'll always remember the laughs we had. One weekend Dave and his dad, Jack, took me to the lake. Dave and I cruised and returned to the cabin later. Jack began reciting limericks to us. Dave called them his Dad's Ozark folk poems. They were the type of limericks you didn't want to repeat in Miss Breen's speech class because you would end up with a 3 day suspention. I know this for a fact. I still remember every limerick Jack taught us and how Dave and I laughed until tears flowed and sides hurt. THERE ONCE WAS A MAN FROM BOSTON,THAT  DROVE A SHINEY RED AUSTIN....remember that one Dave?

 

 

 


07/06/20 07:09 PM #5    

Rick McDermott

I am so saddened by the passing of my friend David "Lean" Launder. Our fathers were best friends, so we had many experiences together. After, graduating from Southwest, we both went to K-State and pledged ,later initiated and became "brothers" in the Sigma Chi Fraternity. I worked one summer at their company Independent Electric and purchased my 3 wheel used mailster from his father Jack.Many great memories!


07/07/20 01:58 PM #6    

Doug Noblet

Yet, another good man who, fortunately, had a good run; who unfortunately, left us too soon. David was one who was liked by all who knew him and his friendship was returned in like kind. I was not as close to David as those others who have posted memories, yet we always had a laugh or fun tale at lunch at SW or during one of our reunions. He will be missed by many. 


07/08/20 06:21 PM #7    

Clark Wadsworth

Dave lived up the street from me and we played kickball, baseball, and football all day most summer days with Bill Tipton and Doug Lyman. Dave was always a good sport and very good natured. I did not see much of Dave after high school except at some of the reunions but I always felt an immediate connection when I did see him. The world is a poorer place without him. 


07/09/20 10:40 AM #8    

Sheila Hesselroth (Kilpatrick)

I will remember David's warm smile and kindness.  We lost a good one.  Thoughts and prayers to his family.

 


08/04/20 10:40 AM #9    

Tuck Milligan

My first memories of David extend from St Andrews to day-camp to Hotstove baseball at the Y to Freshman and Junior Varsity Football at SW. Maybe first meeting him was at that triangle park in the interior of that block between Valley Road and Summit off of West 63rd St, near Bill Tipton's and Clark Watswoth's...I'm sure they were there too. In all that time, I can't remember him not smiling or laughing; it was ineffectious. I couldn't be around the guy without giggling. David had the grace and speed of a true athlete and the charm of a Hollywood star. I am always stunned that some of the finest people I know, I grew up with...also saddened that I didn't get to spend more time with them. But I cherish those memories even more.

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